1963 Oldsmobile Starfire

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Quick Tips

Penetrating Oil - This was in one of the Military Vehicle Club newsletters

Here is an interesting article addressing 'Penetrating Oils'. Recently “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and bolts that they ‘scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by soaking in salt water, they then tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts. They treated the nuts with a variety of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them. This is what they came up with: Nothing: 516 lbs WD-40: 238 lbs; PB Blaster: 214 lbs; Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs, Kano Kroil: 106 lbs (ATF)/Acetone mix (50/50): 50 lbs.

This last “shop brew” of 50% automatic transmission fluid and 50% acetone appears to beat out the commercially prepared products costing far more.

Chroming plastic at home is not much different then painting a plastic object. With recent advancements in aerosol paints, it is now possible to get a professional chrome finish via a paint can. By using chrome paint, you will avoid the need to send your plastic parts out to a chrome shop. Depending on how many plastic pieces you need chromed, the cost can be rather large. With paint, you will minimize the cost involved and still get a great chrome finish.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper

Plastic adhesion promoter

Aerosol chrome paint

1

Sand each plastic part with sandpaper to remove any imperfections on the surface of the plastic. Any imperfections on the surface of the plastic will show through the painted surface and it will look like a divot on the surface. Time should be taken with this step as the final quality will be determined by how flat the prepared surface is.

2

Spray each plastic piece with plastic adhesion promoter. Plastic adhesion promoter is available in an aerosol can. Spray the plastic from left to right, top to bottom with the nozzle approximately 5 inches away from the surface. Follow the directions on the can for appropriate drying times. The drying time will change depending on the brand of promoter you use.

3

Spray each plastic piece with chrome paint. Use the same pattern as in Step 3. Refer to the directions on the can of paint as drying times will be different depending on the brand of paint you use. Add a second coat for a deeper finish.

Tips & Warnings

Do not mix brands of promoter and paint. Each paint company formulates their paint to work with their own promoters. If the brands are mixed, the chrome paint may flake off of the plastic.